The Premier League table is going to be very positive viewing for West Ham and Southampton fans on Christmas Day.

The East London club currently sit comfortably in the top four on 31 points, with Southampton close behind on 29 points. Neither of these teams were tipped to excel this season but they have proved many doubters wrong. West Ham have adopted a new style of play that gets the best out of Andy Carroll but also keeps the Upton Park faithful happy. Ronald Koeman’s Saints side have been a joy to watch at times and really hit the ground running, with all their new signings working well together from the off.

It was as if many were waiting for at least one of either Southampton or West Ham to slip away come Christmas. However, there is a sense that the opposite is happening. As teams like Arsenal, Liverpool and Everton continue to drop points, the Hammers and Saints are starting to build a sizeable gap. West Ham are currently nine points ahead of Liverpool, with the Reds lying in 10th place. Due to there being such a gap, it has got many people wondering whether either side can maintain this run of form to seriously bid for a Champions League spot come May.

Firstly, Southampton have shown over the season so far that they are more than capable of maintaining a European push. They recently went on a five-game losing streak and many presumed that this was the start of Southampton’s demise. However, a hugely impressive 3-0 victory over Everton on Saturday silenced any critics as the Saints showed little sign of their recent poor form. The absence of players like Morgan Schneiderlin, Dusan Tadic and Victor Wanyama in recent weeks exposed Southampton’s lack of depth in midfield, with Koeman opting to select youngsters like Harrison Reed and Jake Hesketh as replacements. Although the reliance on the younger players can be seen as an issue, there is no doubt that Southampton have some of the finest young talent in the country who seem to thrive when they are given the opportunity on the big stage.

The key for Southampton is that they avoid becoming a selling club. Morgan Schneiderlin was angry at club chairman Ralf Krueger after he stated that the midfielder would not be leaving over the summer. However, the Frenchman knuckled down and has been one of Southampton’s best players so far this campaign. It will be interesting to see how the midfielder copes in January amid rumoured interest from both Tottenham Hostpur and Arsenal. If the south-coast club can avoid selling star names and actually strengthen their squad, there is no reason why they can’t challenge for a place amongst Europe’s elite.

Sam Allardyce’s West Ham side have been outstanding so far this season. An excellent transfer window for the East London club is paramount to the encouraging displays West Ham fans have witnessed at Upton Park and on the road as well. Almost every player that was brought in over the summer has made a positive impact and the squad depth is a key strength for Sam Allardyce over what is expected to be a long and dramatic season ahead. The return of Andy Carroll has been a bonus for the club who were performing rather well in his absence due to the partnership of Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia up front. The Geordie has scored three goals so far this season and has already won the second highest amount of aerial duels despite playing in only seven games so far. This shows that West Ham have kept the aerial strength that made them a threat in the last campaign but they have also incorporated a different dimension to their play. This is because players like the rejuvenated Stewart Downing and the impressive Alex Song can now open up teams through the middle, rather than going wide and becoming predictable.

The important element to West Ham’s push for Europe is keeping Andy Carroll fit. He has slotted into the side very nicely and their new style of play seems to suit him more than the aerial tactics that dominated the club’s play last season. He does provide West Ham with a second option as they can look long at times, something which will be very useful away from home if they can’t keep hold of possession – a target man to aim at who will always cause problems for any defence.

If they can keep their main striker fit and avoid a run of poor results they could easily finish fourth. However, Christmas fixtures against Chelsea and Arsenal will offer a clear perspective on where West Ham can realistically finish at the end of the season. January’s African Cup of Nations will also mean the potential absences of Alex Song, Diafra Sakho and Cheikou Kouyate who have been very impressive this season.

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If West Ham can cope without some of their key men in January, their return with inject a fresh impetus into the side. Hammers fans should be excited at the opportunity that awaits them this season, they just have to maintain the consistent form that has made them a joy to watch so far.

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After the exploits of their national team at the 2014 World Cup, there’s no doubting the current popularity, trendiness and quality of German football.

Indeed, it seems the Mannschaft boys have struck the perfect balance between technique, monolithic physicality and tactical awareness, which is seeing more and more German internationals involved in big money moves to the Premier League.

Arsenal already have three, Per Mertesacker, Mesut Ozil and Inter Milan loanee Lukas Podolski, but we at Football Fancast reckon the Gunners aren’t about to stop there.

There’s been a plethora of speculation linking the north London club with Bundesliga stars since the summer, so with that in mind, grab a Currywurst and mull over the FIVE we think could turn up at the Emirates before the end of the January transfer window.

Mats Hummels

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According to the tabloids, Arsenal are locked in a feisty transfer war with Manchester United for the signature of coveted Borussia Dortmund centre-back Mats Hummels.

The aerial dominance of the German international’s 6 foot 4 frame should serve him well in the Premier League, but it’s his Franz-Beckenbauer-esque ability to join or instigate attacks, boasting world-class distribution by centre-back standards, that’s earned him a reputation as one of the top defenders in world football.

A World Cup winner and former Champions League finalist, the 26 year-old’s quality and experience at the highest level of the game remain undoubted.

With Barcelona now serving their lengthy transfer ban and Real Madrid already well-endowed at the heart of defence, if Hummels is to move anywhere this month – potentially due to Dortmund’s shock slump to the Bundesliga’s relegation zone – it will be to one of his English suitors.

Of course, price-tag remains the predominant issue. Some sources claim Manchester United have already launched a £35million bid that Arsenal would have to match, whilst prior reports valued the dominant defender at a whopping £47million.

JULIAN DRAXLER

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The last thing Arsenal need is yet another attacking midfielder, but that’s never stopped Arsene Wenger before and his long-term interest in Schalke prodigy Julian Draxler, documented heavily in January 2014, is well-known.

The German international is considered to be amongst the finest prospects in world football, blending technique, creativity and firepower with an unusually lanky 6 foot 2 frame. Some have compared him to Thierry Henry – I see more similarites, especially in terms of physique and his improvisational style, with Zinedine Zidane.

The 21 year-old has never matched the output of his breakthrough 2012/13 campaign, netting ten times in the Bundesliga, but his performances in the Champions League over the past few seasons have remained impressive, totaling five goals and two assists in his last 16 outings.

With Schalke struggling to hit the heights of prior seasons this term, Arsene Wenger may fancy his chances of prizing Draxler away from the Veltins Arena this month. That would likely require activating the playmaking winger’s £37million release clause however.

Lars Bender

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Linked with Arsenal persistently over the last few years, the Gunners’ desperate need for a holding midfielder could see them make good on their long-term interest in Bayer Leverkusen’s Lars Bender this month.

Arsene Wenger told beIN Sport he wants a ‘physical presence with prodigious ability like Vieira or Petit’ earlier this season and the German international, famed for his incredible energy, tough-tackling and determination, fits the bill perfectly.

The 25 year-old is the driving force behind a Leverkusen side that’s consistently challenged at the top of the Bundesliga table since his arrival from 1860 Munchen in summer 2009, now serving as the club’s vice-captain behind Simon Rolfes.

He’s utilised in more of a box-to-box capacity by the Bundesliga side, boasting impeccable stamina, but would likely be signed by Arsenal to fill the void in front of their defence. Bender’s relative pace and defensive awareness should plug those continuous gaps on the counter-attack.

In November, The Metro alleged a £19million bid for Bender, brother of Dortmund’s Sven, was already in the pipeline. It’s not materialised yet, but there’s still a good two weeks of the transfer window remaining.

CHRISTOPH KRAMER

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Another defensive midfielder on the Arsenal radar, according to the Daily Mail, is youngster Christoph Kramer – who you might remember for his brief involvement in the 2014 World Cup final before coming off after just half an hour with a concussion.

The 23 year-old has excelled amid his two-term loan with Borussia Monchengladbach, this season averaging an impressive 2.8 tackles, 3 interceptions and 1.6 successful dribbles per match, in addition to recording an 87% pass completion rate.

Measuring in at just under 6 foot 3, an impeccable athlete and considered to be a long-term successor to Sami Khedira in Germany’s midfield, Kramer comes with all the makings of a future world-beater.

The Mail allege a £20million bid from the Emirates outfit, but signing the young midfielder this January would be a rather complicated process. There’s still six months left on his loan deal with Gladbach, so in addition to paying Leverkusen, it’s likely the Bundesliga side will demand some form of compensation from the Gunners.

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A recent contract extension until 2019, signed only last month, could also have a significant impact on Kramer’s price-tag.

JAVI MARTINEZ

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Perhaps the best Bundesliga-based signing Arsenal could make this month, the potential acquisition of imposing midfielder-cum-centre-back Javi Martinez would enormously strengthen Gunners’ starting Xi.

Bayern Munich forked out a whopping £25million for the 6 foot 5 Spain international in summer 2012 and he made good on the sizable investment in his debut season, performing a vital role in the club’s march to a Bundesliga and Champions League double.

Pep Guardiola doesn’t seem to be as fond of Martinez as predecessor Jupp Heynckes however, despite his formidable mix of power, height and technical ability, issuing the 25 year-old nine less starts during 2013/14 than his inaugural campaign.

Arsenal were linked with a £30million bid in the summer, but the former Athletic Bilbao star instead pledged his allegiance to the German powerhouse.

Now having summer signings Xabi Alonso and Mehdi Benatia to contend with for a spot in the Bayern starting Xi however, Martinez may be thinking differently about his immediate future – especially after spending the entirety of the current campaign on the sidelines due to injury.

He’d likely still command a fee of that magnitude however.

Tom Ince is fully committed to breaking into England’s senior squad despite his recent U-21 snub and has made his controversial decision for the good of his career, according to his father, Paul.

The 23-year-old was revealed to have told Three Lions U-21 coach Gareth Southgate that he does not wish to be included in his squad for the European Championships this summer earlier this week, placing his international future in jeopardy.

The once Liverpool trainee is currently on loan at Derby from Premier League side Hull, after failing to make a serious impact following his step up to the top tier from Blackpool.

He has been a regular at U-21 level for some time, making 18 appearances for the team.

And Ince Sr. – who represented England on 53 occasions – says that his son has done nothing wrong, and that his decision is based solely on developing as a player and pushing to make Roy Hodgson’s future squads:

“Tom has played 18 times for the Under 21s and really enjoyed it and found it beneficial – so this is not a snub, that’s rubbish,” he told the Daily Mail.

“He is 23 years of age and has already played in the Euros in Israel. He has experienced that, which was great.

‘If he was 20 years old we would not be having this conversation, he would be going to the “uros, no doubt about it.

“But the last year or so from a club point of view has been difficult for him. He’s been all over the place. He went to Hull last summer and has then been on loan at Forest and Derby, where he’s doing well now.

“We forget that he had three years at Blackpool pretty much playing by himself at a young age, and that had an effect.

“He needs to get a good rest and make sure he is ready to go next season. He needs to start finding some stability. He needs to get himself in a position to play regular football in the Premier League.’

“The aim, then, is to make an impact at the KC Stadium next season before bidding for a senior call-up with England.

“Listen, Tom has not snubbed his country. It is the pinnacle of a player’s career to represent your country,’ Ince added. ‘I was captain and am immensely proud of my 53 caps.

“Gareth Southgate said we should be aware of the repercussions. I don’t agree. If Tom is playing regularly next year for Hull and scoring goals like he is for Derby, then he would love to get an England call-up.

“And if he is doing that I see no reason why Roy Hodgson shouldn’t call him up. He’s got a good young squad and Tom would love to be part of it in the future.

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“But first of all he needs to get his club career in order. We have looked at the bigger picture. He needs a steady period and he needs to hit the ground running next season.

“If he makes his mark at Hull next year then hopefully we’ll see the benefit of this decision.

“So there is no way I’m saying to Tom, “Don’t play for England”. As a father I would love my son to do what I did and play for his country.”

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There is no doubt that the acquisition of Ronald Koeman was a stroke of sheer brilliance by Southampton.

Despite suffering an exodus of several key players last summer Koeman, through some important signings, has breathed new life into a club that most thought would have a dismal campaign this season. But instead of proving everyone right Southampton have had a highly successful year, which may still end with qualification into the Europa League.

Koeman is the reason why the Saints now sit just one point away from sixth and have never had to worry about relegation. Southampton had a hugely successful season last time around with players like Luke Shaw and Adam Lallana receiving many plaudits for outstanding performances before they moved to bigger clubs.

But remarkably, while they finished their last campaign on 56 points the Saints have already eclipsed that figure with four matches still left to be played.

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The Dutchman signed Italian striker Graziano Pelle from Feyenoord and, although he has had a mixed first season, the Italisn has still managed to find the net 16 times in all competitions. Koeman has found a way to get the best out of the club’s new and established players, recording impressive wins over Arsenal and Manchester United, which has allowed the Saints to keep up with some of the league’s top teams.

All of this success, though, has drawn attention to Koeman and there have been rumours that even Barcelona have been keeping an eye on him. Koeman played for the Spanish giants in the nineties and so some have questioned whether or not he’d stay loyal to the Saints if Barca came calling.

This whole rumour stems from when Barcelona were struggling to catch La Liga rivals Real Madrid who had opened up a considerable points gap at the top of the table. But with Lionel Messi, Neymar and new signing Luis Suarez finally beginning to forge a truly formidable partnership, Barcelona are back on top and manager Luis Enrique looks likely to keep his job.

When asked if he would take the role if offered it, Koeman answered that he was still a young manager who wasn’t quite ready for that challenge – and he couldn’t be more right. To rejuvenate Southampton is one thing, but ensuring a side like Barcelona challenges for and wins trophies every season is something else entirely.

Before the Saints boss even thinks about such an appointment he needs to win something with Southampton and it should probably be something important like the domestic title or the Champions League. Even Jose Mourinho would be unlikely to achieve this with the Saints, so perhaps even breaking into the top four might be impressive enough.

It will be interesting to see how Southampton fare in Koeman’s second season at the club and surely a lot will rest on how they handle the summer transfer window. They need to hold onto their key players this time while adding strength up front.

And by securing Europa League football the Saints will gain the exposure needed to interest mid to top level players.

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Koeman has shown he is a skilful manager and now he needs it to be reflected in his trophy cabinet. Only then should the idea of leading Barcelona be a credible possibility.

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With Wojciech Szczesny making one mistake too many for Arsenal this season, the Poland international has been banished to the bench and replaced by David Ospina. Despite the Colombian proving a safer pair of hands than his predecessor, the transfer rumours linking the Gunners with a new stopper this summer continue to rumble on.

Arsene Wenger’s men have been heavily linked with a move for Chelsea custodian Petr Cech at the end of the current campaign, with the veteran falling behind Thibaut Courtois in Jose Mourinho’s pecking order. Despite the Czech Republic international proving himself as an able pair of hands over the years at Stamford Bridge, whether or not he is the answer for Arsenal remains to be seen.

With the Blues more than likely unwilling to sell Cech to their London rivals, the Gunners’ pursuit may well be over before it has even started. As such, here are THREE other goalkeepers that Arsenal should be keeping an eye on:

Samir Handanovic

The Slovenia international has built on superb form for Udinese at Inter and is one of Serie A’s top goalkeepers. He continues to impress in an otherwise unconvincing Inter team, with the stopper one of Roberto Mancini’s top performers this season again.

Although reports in TalkSport suggest that Handanovic has started contract renewal talk at the Italian club, the Nerazzurri are in a financial situation where they would not be able to turn down a significant offer from Arsenal. Still only 30 and a supreme shotstopper, Handanovic could well be the safe pair of gloves the club needs to push them towards a Premier League title.

Vincent Enyeama

Undoubtedly the best goalkeeper in African football in recent times, the Marseille custodian has been a consistent feature of an ever-improving Marseille side that has posed a surprise Ligue 1 title challenge this season.

The 32-year-old’s level of experience and presence would be a calming feature in a sometimes chaotic Gunners rearguard, while the Nigerian has the ability to make world-class saves with alarming regularity. The chance to play in the Premier League would surely be one that Enyeama would jump at, while Marseille would struggle to hold onto their number one if the Gunners came knocking.

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Asmir Begovic

The Bosnian stopper has proven over the last five years at Stoke that he is one of the Premier League’s best and an enduring reason why the Potters continue to challenge for a top-half finish. With considerable Premier League experience, a commanding presence and the best years ahead of him at only 27, Begovic looks ready to take the next step in his career and onto a Champions League side.

Stoke would be reluctant to let go of their star, but with Jack Butland in their reserve ranks have a readymade replacement. With the potential to take a place between the Gunners posts for the next six or seven years, Begovic looks like a much more viable and exciting option than Cech.

Until recently, Arsenal’s Joel Campbell was hardly much of a known entity among football fans outside the loyal Emirates faithful.

Somewhat successful spells at both Real Betis, and in the Champions League with Olympiacos, showed the 22-year-old to be a promising talent at the very least – but also a player in need of a great deal more work and dedication on the training ground.

Since last summer’s 2014 World Cup in Brazil however, the young attacking midfielder has proven to the rest of the world that he does in-fact have something to bring to the table, as Costa Rica defied all odds in the so-called group of death with Joel Campbell at the forefront of their attack.

2014/15 was therefore supposed to be a campaign in which the Central American star would significantly contribute to Arsenal’s title push this season, and perhaps even warrant himself an illustrious first team place in Arsene Wenger’s competitive starting XI.

Such an outcome has seemingly failed to take place this year though – and with the World Cup hero now sent out on loan again for the remainder of the current campaign with Villarreal – the rest of the footballing community are forced to ask whether or not Joel Campbell still has a bright future ahead of him, either at the Emirates or beyond?

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As previously eluded to, one thing that has to be considered when it comes to the player in question, is that Campbell is nowhere near the finished article at this early stage in his career. As promising as the 2014 World Cup proved to be for the young Arsenal man, glimpses of talent can only take you so far in the modern game, and without some real consistency to back up his exploits out on the pitch, the 22-year-old simply hasn’t seen much development within his overall game as of late.

Succeeding in such a task, however, would require a far shot more trust on his manger’s part – and as Arsene Wenger so far hasn’t had the luxury of affording to give Campbell a solid run out in the team this season – the Gunners youngster seemingly hasn’t had the chance to display his talents at the Emirates on a regular enough basis.

As Villarreal fans may attest to since the turn of the year however, the Costa Rican international still potentially has something to give the world of football in the next few important years of his emerging career.

The attacking midfielder can really have a positive impact for his team when the situation allows. Goal scoring might have so far come as a slight issue for the on loan Arsenal attacker since his move to La Liga this January, but with his quick turn of pace, ability to hold off defenders and stand his ground successfully, and quick-feet in tight positions – the Estadio El Madrigal faithful have largely paid witness to a player with a fair degree of talent on offer, even if the no. 10 is yet to truly reach his full potential in club football.

Having said that though, there are certainly those within the current Arsenal contingency that have nevertheless over-hyped the club’s young talent throughout his recent career. When the 22-year-old scored one of his team’s goals against Manchester United in the Champions League last season for Olympiacos, many Gunners fans throughout the land immediately jumped on the hype that surrounded Joel Campbell at the time, and acted as if he was going to tear the Premier League apart when his chance in an Arsenal shirt eventually arrived.

It seems Joel Campbell currently falls into the bracket of unfulfilled talent at the Emirates – and as the Gunners faithful have a somewhat tainted reputation of giving too much credit to their young stars before they have actually blossomed into anything meaningful – perhaps such a notion really shouldn’t come as much of a surprise.

Arsene Wenger seemingly doesn’t have much room for the Costa Rican in his first team plans going into next season anyway, yet because the current Villarreal loanee is still only 22-years-old, time certainly still resides on the side on the up and coming no. 10. It would be somewhat ridiculous to expect him to transform into a notorious world beater off the back of one partially successful World Cup campaign after all.

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As breaking into any starting XI in the Premier League can prove a difficult task for young foreign stars trying to make a name for themselves in the English game though, maybe the Emirates is no longer the right place for Joel Campbell should a bright future still seemingly lay ahead of him.

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Despite a pretty horrific Under-21 EURO tournament this summer, England should not overlook the talent that is present in their youth ranks.

While the Three Lions try to move on from the generation of John Terry, Steven Gerrard and Ashley Cole they must look towards the up and coming players and give them the chance to experience international football at the top level. From the darkness of Brazil 2014, England’s national side aren’t looking quite so glum anymore with Roy Hodgson having turned the tide a little in qualification.

The current cohort of English youngsters have shown more promise at club level than many groups before them, and hopefully Hodgson is willing to take the chance on some stars who could be stalwarts in the England squad for years to come. Whilst other sides are regenerating and investing in their youth prospects, England continue to rely on players like Jagielka and Jones.

Here are FIVE young guns that England must take to Euro 2016…

Will Hughes

Hughes was one of the players who never quite shone as brightly at the Under-21 EUROs as he, or Gareth Southgate, would have hoped. A Premier League move for Hughes has been mooted for some time and this summer seems ideal for the blonde-haired central midfielder to step up.

Having only turned 20 in April, Hughes is very much a work in progress, but could provide a creative spark for a Premier League team or England with intelligent passing and close control that is surprising to see of an Englishman.

Jack Butland

Finally we seem to be about to witness Jack Butland as a Premier League No.1 with Stoke. Loan periods around the midlands and north have given Butland invaluable experience but he has still only made six Premier League appearances and must improve on that number to hold down a squad place for EURO 2016.

Joe Hart is destined for the No. 1 jersey with England, although any injury or suspension should see Butland fill in next summer. Still extremely young for a goalkeeper at 22, Butland may have a decade until he peaks and England must invest in a long-term replacement for Hart and put pressure on the Manchester City man for his place.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Since his move from Southampton, ‘The Ox’ has struggled to nail down a starting position at Arsenal. Chamberlain flirted with a central-midfield role, but now seems set to continue as a winger at club level.

Chamberlain has been restricted by persistent injuries and faces tough competition for game time in his position at both club and national level. Aside from a wonderful goal at the Maracana, Chamberlain is yet to make an imprint on the international stage, but he could well end his career with over 100 caps for his country.

John Stones

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The most un-English of central defenders, Stones has a calm presence on the ball that is rare for any Englishman, let alone a centre-half. Everton’s defender has the versatility to cover at right-back but his future must surely lie in the centre of defence where he will be eyeing up a potential partnership with Gary Cahill or Calum Chambers for the years to come.

His big move is likely to happen in one of the next two summers and Stones needs time to experience international football. Hopefully, patience and faith will see Stones become England captain one day.

Calum Chambers

Another former Saint, and another who can play both centrally and on the right of defence. Chambers is still finding his feet at club level and is likely to play most of the 2015/16 season as cover for Arsenal.

Fortunately, opportunities will be around at Arsenal to stake a claim for first team football and he, like Stones, is comfortable enough on the ball to play out from the back. A Stones-Chambers partnership could be the defensive setup for a changing English style and provide stability for years to come.

After three bitter-fought victories in the Premier League, it seems almost inevitable David Moyes will make some changes to his West Ham side this evening. What those changes should be, however, remains a subject of inevitable debate.

Declan Rice has been one of the few genuine success stories at the London Stadium this season, but opportunities have been a little harder to come by since Moyes took the helm back in November.

The academy product, who Transfermarkt value at just £450k, came on from the bench against Stoke City on Saturday, but should he be issued a start tonight when the Irons travel to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal in the League Cup?

Hammers fans will obviously want their club’s youngsters to get as many first-team chances as possible, but the east Londoners do have a huge clash with Newcastle on the horizon this Saturday which Rice could well play a part in.

So, West Ham fans, should Rice start tonight? Let us know by voting below…

Sorry folks, this poll is now closed!

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Leeds United announced on their official Twitter account on Wednesday that defender Luke Ayling will be out for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on an ankle injury he picked up against Nottingham Forest on New Year’s Day, and Whites fans have been quick to have their say on the news.

The 26-year-old limped off against Forest following an innocuous looking challenge from former United midfielder Liam Bridcutt, and it was originally thought that it was an issue that wouldn’t keep him out of Championship action for too long.

However, the sixth-place Yorkshire outfit confirmed the right-back’s long-term absence on Wednesday, and it is a big blow for Thomas Christiansen considering Ayling has been such a key part of the team over the course of the last couple of seasons.

Leeds supporters took to social media to give their thoughts on the announcement, and while one said it is “going from dream season to disaster season rapidly”, another said “any play-off chances are absolutely gone”.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

Amid what can only be described as a rather underwhelming weekend in the Premier League, Tottenham’s trip to Southampton stands out as a fixture that might offer something resembling a close-knit game.

Spurs were a class above Saints in the reverse fixture at Wembley on Boxing Day, but the latter know they need to start picking up points at home to turn their season around, currently laying just one point and one place above the relegation zone.

Of course, that’s easier said than done, especially with Spurs winning eight of their last ten across all competitions. But could they come unstuck against Southampton this weekend? Here’s everything you need to know before Sunday’s 4pm kickoff…

What History Tells Us

Tottenham and Southampton once had almost complete parity in this fixture, but since the latter’s return to the Premier League in 2012, the former have dominated. Indeed, that nine-game difference in terms of wins is the exact number of victories the Lilywhites have claimed from their eleven meetings with the south coast outfit during the last six years.

Accordingly, Spurs have scored more goals and conceded less yellow cards, and even their win-rate at St. Mary’s is a healthy 33% – just 11% less than the home side’s.

The good news for the neutrals though, is that there have only ever been three scoreless draws between both clubs in the Premier League – and the last was all the way back in 2001 – while Spurs have scored at least two goals during their last five visits to St. Mary’s. That suggests we’ll see plenty of goalmouth action on Sunday.

Referee Influence – Kevin Friend

Kevin Friend is amongst the Premier League’s most lenient referees, ranking in the bottom five from the 18 to officiate in the top flight this season for fouls per game, fouls per tackle and yellow cards, and Southampton simply must take advantage of that on Sunday.

A win over Tottenham, especially with Harry Kane in such fine form, will require an expert rearguard display and Friend has consistently given teams license to make physical challenges that blur the line of acceptability – not to mention allow those who do commit fouls to go largely unpunished for it.

That will be vital to stopping Tottenham’s fluid attacking play and Friend’s huge home bias this season, 83%, is another big positive for Saints to take into the weekend – that’s the greatest percentage of any Premier League referee this season.

However, the number of penalties Friend has awarded is a clear warning for both sides; despite his leniency in other areas of the pitch, the 46-year-old has taken a no-nonsense approach to any shenanigans inside the box. Both teams must take that on board or it could be a decisive factor.

Team News

Southampton may be without a Premier League win since November but Mauricio Pellegrino at least appears to have settled on something of a first team formula in recent weeks, with Alex McCarthy preferred in goal and Shane Long replacing Manolo Gabbiadini up top. With the Irishman scoring just one Premier League goal so far this season though, striker Charlie Austin still represents a big loss for the south coast outfit.

Overall, however, we’re expecting Pellegrino to name an unchanged side from the one that drew with Watford last time out – although we could see Sofiane Boufal or Nathan Redmond brought into the fold out wide purely to offer some extra pace on the break.

Tottenham too, are likely to stick with their trusted XI on the most-part. However Hugo Lloris is now a doubt due to illness, so his reliable understudy Michel Vorm could be deployed between the sticks instead.

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In midfield, meanwhile, anchorman Victor Wanyama could make his first Premier League start since August at the expense of England international Eric Dier – the powerful Kenyan has been regaining his fitness with substitute appearances in recent weeks.

Spurs’ attack picks itself these days with Heung-min Son, Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen and Kane all in predictably strong form, and with Danny Rose absent through injury, the only other real spot of contention is at right-back. Serge Aurier started last time out, so we’re predicting Kieran Trippier to get the nod this time.

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